Composition Department

Composition students pursue their studies in private lessons with their individual teachers, supplemented by a weekly departmental seminar attended by all the composition faculty and students, with regular presentations by distinguished visiting composers. The Peabody Composition Department operates under the practical philosophy of learning music composition by hearing one's works performed. Therefore, the department attempts to have all compositions which are written under faculty supervision performed or read at the Conservatory as soon as possible following completion. The department maintains a list of excellent singers and instrumentalists from the Conservatory student population. The performers on this roster are paid to read and record student compositions, thus ensuring professional attitudes and commitment toward the student composers. There are several readings of orchestral works by the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, a choral reading, and a wind ensemble reading each year. Recitals of student chamber compositions are scheduled regularly by the Composition Department, and may also be scheduled by individual teachers and students. In the senior year, every composition major is required to present a complete recital of his or her compositions. Student orchestral works are read each season by the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. All of these recitals and readings are professionally recorded by the Peabody Recording Studios. The Composition Department at Peabody has thus insured that this department is fully integrated into the performing framework of the Conservatory. For young composers who wish to learn by hearing their works performed and applying that immediate feedback for future growth, Peabody offers excellent opportunities.

Please support the department! See the department calendar for upcoming concerts and readings.

The department assistant for the 2008–2009 school year is Sam Brannon. Please contact him for questions, schedule changes, or for more information about the department. 

 

 

Latest News

Oscar Bettison appointed to faculty

 

After a lengthy international search, the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University is pleased to announce the appointment of Oscar Bettison to the composition department faculty beginning in the fall of 2009.
read more

 

 

Composer Nicholas Maw, long time member of the Peabody Composition Department who retired in 2008, dies at age 73. Nicholas Maw was a pillar of this department for ten years. He will be deeply missed.
read more

 

 

 

 

Roger Zare wins Nissim Prize

 

Roger Zare has been awarded the ASCAP Foundation's Rudolf Nissim Prize for Green Flash, a nine-minute composition for orchestra. The prize includes a $5,000 cash honorarium. Green Flash was selected from over 220 submissions.
read more

 

 

Christopher Rouse joins Peabody as Distinguished Composer-in-Residence

 

May 7, 2008, Baltimore, MD: The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University is pleased to announce that internationally acclaimed composer and Baltimore native Christopher Rouse has been appointed Distinguished Composer-in-Residence at the Peabody Conservatory... read more

Greg Boyle - Excellence in Teaching Award 2007-2008

read more

 

 

 

Rabbi Moshe Cotel, Composer, Dies at 65 (Since 1972, Mr. Cotel had been a professor of music composition at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.)

read more

more department NEWS